It has been announced that the Revd Dr Ian Mills is to be the next Rector of Bath Abbey. Ian is currently the Rector of Benefice of Chew Valley West and Area Dean of Chew Magna in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Michael said, “I am delighted that Ian Mills is be the next Rector of Bath Abbey. Ian will bring extensive experience and the heart of a true pastor to his ministry in Bath. I am delighted that Ian will continue as a colleague in our Diocese of Bath and Wells.”
Ian is expected to take on his new role in the autumn.
Reacting to his appointment, Ian said, “I am thrilled and honoured to have been invited to come and serve God as Rector of Bath Abbey. The Abbey is a remarkable place of prayer, worship and welcome and I look forward with gratitude to working with colleagues to serve its congregation, community and visitors in the years ahead.
“It has been a great privilege to minister and serve in the Chew Valley and I am grateful for all that we have shared together and for the friendships and faith that have shaped me during my time here.”
Ian studied at Queen’s University, Belfast where he read music and at Trinity College, Dublin where he read theology and trained for ordination at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. He was ordained priest in 2017 and served his curacy in Connor Diocese (Co. Antrim) before becoming Rector of Chew Valley West in 2021. He has been Area Dean of Chew Magna since 2023.
Before ordination Ian worked as an organist, accompanist and music teacher. He was Organist and Choirmaster at Derry Cathedral for nine years while maintaining a busy freelance schedule with several arts organisations. He brings his passion for music-making to his ministry, forming two children’s choirs and an adult community choir in his current benefice.
Ian will be joined by his wife, Kelly-Ann, who is a foetal medicine consultant at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol, and their baby daughter Iris.